So this particular program I enjoyed because it allowed me to do cardio while also lifting without having to hop on a cardio machine. I also felt like the program was good about giving you options to choose from when it came to the cardio acceleration between sets – I will definitely be implementing the cardio acceleration in future workouts. I didn’t get totally shredded, if anyone of you have been keeping up with my Instagram, then you know I was already in good shape and so this helped to increase my endurance and pushed me to also drive myself without rest between sets. I didn’t follow the meal plan it had set for me, but I know that some people based on reviews said it helped them and they lost a good amount of weight doing the whole program- I might have lost 5 lb or so, but nothing huge but AGAIN I did not follow the meal plan it had set in stone.

The only thing I did not particularly love about the program is some of the workouts were the same throughout the workout and while it didn’t bore me, it could bore others who like variations. I know my collaboration partner said she changed up the exercises to her liking after a while. The program can be found at – https://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/jim-stoppani-six-week-shortcut-to-shred.html

For half of this month, I am going to do some recreational lifts that focus on increasing my strength and muscle mass, and then work on some HIIT cardio possibly as well then I will hop on a new program.. so be looking out for that 🙂

I struggled on the 2nd and 3rd set of the barbell shoulder press for 65 lb , sometimes only hitting 4 reps .. but the first and last set I hit 6 reps. Both the barbell and DB shoulder press were seated and I struggle with the seated ones vs the standing presses. I have noticed compared to where I was at 45 lb, I am able to lift more weight during this exercise, so this makes me happy. I always happily enjoy the sprints and my barbell squat is getting better overtime , although 135 at 6 reps I was still feeling it. My deadlift form is better than where it was and I able to pick up the barbell much better now when using the proper muscles. Overall today’s workout was very good for a leg day!

P.S I don’t like mountain climbers, but they didn’t hurt as much today as they normally do and didn’t fatigue me as much either.

In dedication to my leg day today, let’s talk about the “Zercher Squat”. How many of you have heard of this type of squat? How many of you have performed it? Well, in all honesty, I have only done it once before and it was utilizing the smith machine. I am no pro at this squat by any means, but it was worth giving a shot. Now depending on your fitness level, you will either be able to do this movement with little to no issues or will suffer and end up walking away from it – for me, I did it with minimal issues but it wasn’t the most comfortable movement in my opinion & watching the video link you will see why.

If you are looking to go out of your comfort level and try something new, this will be something fun and unique to add to your leg day, but if you aren’t someone who can squat then this isn’t the right exercise for you. With this being said, let’s find out how to perform this exercise the proper way.

How To Perform it:

Set the bar on the rack that best matches your height (above the waist, below the chest)

Lock your hands together, placing the bar on top of your arms between the forearm and upper arm

Lift the bar up so that is rest on your forearms

position legs shoulder width apart (after stepping away from the rack) with toes slightly pointed out. Maintain a straight back and keep your head up at ALL times.

Lower the bar by bending the knees, until you reach a 90 degree angle, while keeping the back straight (you will be inhaling at this time)

Raise the bar as you exhale, pushing the floor with the ball of your foot.

Repeat for the recommended repetitions

What Muscles are being worked on:

Quads

glutes

hamstrings

biceps

strengthen abs

build traps

Overall Opinion:

I feel as though this exercise will help build your front squat and can be useful in adding some variety in your workout, it takes some time getting used to the odd placement of the arms on the bar, but if you can get past that, you will notice it really works those lower body muscles.

For beginners, I wouldn’t recommend, unless you have a professional around to guide you and if you do decide to do this movement, it is safe to use lower weight until you get the form and technique down. Also, if you have any prior injuries or conditions, make sure to speak to your doctor before getting started.

If you are someone who will need padding for the barbell while performing squats, make sure to check this item out because it will be very useful for you

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Today I was not feeling it, I was fatigued before getting started and just aching a bit. I don’t think it is over training ( not quite that bad) .. I just think it is about that time again (if you know what I mean). I couldn’t finish a whole minute of med ball slams without stopping and I hardly slammed the ball hard enough to make a noise, I was just barely getting by on my workout today, BUT with all that being said, I made some good progress compared to my week one results. If you are interested in seeing the results from week one to now, click Here

Anyone else have a long day at the gym today, or just not feeling today’s workout?

Fitness Wonder Woman,

Shay-lon xo

now for those of you who are working on building strength and need something lighter to get started, my gym used body bars with some of their clients and in college I started with one for a class or two and let me tell you, they come real handy!

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Today I did another PR & it was in my barbell shrugs! a week or so ago it was only at 165 and today I hit 175 lb! Another achievement. Hoping to continue this. Today was another focus on building strength and I slowed down on the cardio acceleration to focus on my form during each exercise. I posted two new videos today on YouTube 🙂 check out my channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAIrhf0FpxoQk4F_bznTjIg and I will hopefully be posting the links either tomorrow and talk about the workouts or possibly next week.

Heads Up: I am starting my studies again this month and on, and so this means I will stay on schedule but sometimes I might post later at night (my time) or perhaps be late in responding to some of the messages on my blog and social media. Be patient with me as I have to stay on a tight schedule because I am also working two jobs at this time. I wanted to make sure everyone was aware of this announcement.